COLD STEAMED EGGPLANT WITH SESAME SOY DRESSING

Cold Steamed Eggplant with Sesame Soy Dressing image

Steamed eggplant has a delicate, silky texture. You may have tasted similar light, refreshing eggplant dishes in Asian restaurants. Dress the eggplant while it's still hot; it will drink up the sauce so that flavor runs through and through. Then refrigerate and serve the salad cold.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Time 1h30m

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 teaspoon sugar (omit if using seasoned rice wine vinegar, which is sweet)
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons sesame oil or walnut oil
2 tablespoons canola oil
Pinch of cayenne
2 pounds eggplant, preferably Japanese eggplants
Salt
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1 bag baby arugula, washed and dried, for serving
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon grated or finely minced fresh ginger (more to taste)

Steps:

Whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, sesame or walnut oil, and canola oil. Add the optional ginger and/or garlic. Set aside.
If you can find Japanese eggplant, cut them in half lengthwise. If using large globe eggplants, cut them lengthwise into quarters. Place in a steamer and steam 10 to 15 minutes, until thoroughly tender. Remove from the heat and cut in 3/4-inch wide slices. Season with salt. Toss gently with the dressing (it's okay if the eggplant falls apart a little) and half the chives while warm, and chill for 1 hour. Toss again and serve on a bed of baby arugula. Sprinkle the remaining chives over the top.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 126, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 10 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 405 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams